Maurice Moynihan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maurice Moynihan
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| Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland | |
| In office 29 August 1960 – 30 April 1969 |
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| Taoiseach | Seán Lemass Jack Lynch |
| Preceded by | James McElligott |
| Succeeded by | T. K. Whitaker |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Maurice Gerard Moynihan
14 December 1902 Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland |
| Died | 21 August 1999 (aged 96) Skerries, Dublin, Ireland |
| Spouses | Mae Conley (m. 1932; d. 1999) |
| Children | 5 |
| Alma mater | University College Cork |
Maurice Gerard Moynihan (born 14 December 1902 – died 21 August 1999) was a very important person in Irish history. He was an Irish economist and a civil servant. A civil servant is someone who works for the government to help run the country.
Moynihan served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland from 1960 to 1969. This bank helps manage Ireland's money. He also helped write the 1937 Constitution of Ireland, which is like the main rulebook for the country. In 1937, he became the Secretary of the Government of the Irish Free State.
Maurice Moynihan's Career
Maurice Moynihan started working for the Irish government in 1925. He worked in the Department of Finance. This department manages the country's money. His skills were quickly noticed by the Minister for Finance, Ernest Blythe.
In 1932, he became the Private Secretary to the Taoiseach, Éamon de Valera. The Taoiseach is the head of the Irish government. In 1937, Moynihan was made Secretary of the Department of the Taoiseach. He was also the Secretary to the Government. He held these important jobs until 1960.
In 1960, he became the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. He had already been a director there since 1953. He was one of the main people who helped create the 1937 Constitution of Ireland.
His Impact on Ireland
Maurice Moynihan played a very important role in Ireland's early years as an independent country. People say he helped a lot with how the government made decisions. His work helped develop the Irish Free State and later the Republic of Ireland. He was known for being very modest and polite.
Awards and Recognition
In 1955, Maurice Moynihan received an honorary degree in Economic Science. This was from the National University of Ireland. In 1959, he was given a special award from the Pope. It was called the Knight Commander of the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great.
When he passed away, Mary McAleese, who was the President of Ireland at the time, spoke about him. She said he served his country with great honor and honesty. She also said he showed the best qualities of public service.
Professor Patrick Lynch, a well-known economist, called him a "most independent civil servant." He said politicians and other civil servants respected Moynihan. J.J. Lee, a history professor, described him as "one of the greatest public servants." He added that Moynihan was a trustworthy protector of the country's institutions. Moynihan was deeply loyal and committed to serving the public. The Irish Times newspaper also called him "one of the greatest civil servants in the State."
